Work on FWB dog park begins (DOCUMENT)

Published: Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 04:55 PM.

FORT WALTON BEACH — City crews have started clearing a portion of Liza Jackson Park on U.S. Highway 98 to make way for a dog park slated to open in October.

“What we’re doing is cleaning up all the brush from the ground up,” said Jeff Peters, recreation and cultural services director for Fort Walton Beach. “We’re leaving it so there’s just grass and trees.”

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the project and has raised $15,000 of its $30,000 goal.

“There’s still time to help us,” said Ted Corcoran, president and CEO of the chamber. “We recommend that folks go down to Liza Jackson to get a feel for where it’s going to be.”

Supporters can sponsor a park bench at the dog park for $1,000 and a 250-foot stretch of fencing for $250, with custom plaques on each.

“No government funds are being used for this, whether it be the city or the (Tourist Development Council),” Corcoran said. “Therefore, every dollar helps us.”

That has proven popular among many local business owners who view the park as a marketing vehicle, Corcoran said.

“Dog lover businesses are using this incredibly inexpensive marketing investment to promote their business as one that likes dogs,” he added. “They can select the exact location where they want their stretch of fence to be.”

The park will be built just west of Red Lobster restaurant. It will feature separate areas for large and small dogs connected by gates as well as a rear gate that allows access to the water.

FORT WALTON BEACH — City crews have started clearing a portion of Liza Jackson Park on U.S. Highway 98 to make way for a dog park slated to open in October.

“What we’re doing is cleaning up all the brush from the ground up,” said Jeff Peters, recreation and cultural services director for Fort Walton Beach. “We’re leaving it so there’s just grass and trees.”

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the project and has raised $15,000 of its $30,000 goal.

“There’s still time to help us,” said Ted Corcoran, president and CEO of the chamber. “We recommend that folks go down to Liza Jackson to get a feel for where it’s going to be.”

Supporters can sponsor a park bench at the dog park for $1,000 and a 250-foot stretch of fencing for $250, with custom plaques on each.

“No government funds are being used for this, whether it be the city or the (Tourist Development Council),” Corcoran said. “Therefore, every dollar helps us.”

That has proven popular among many local business owners who view the park as a marketing vehicle, Corcoran said.

“Dog lover businesses are using this incredibly inexpensive marketing investment to promote their business as one that likes dogs,” he added. “They can select the exact location where they want their stretch of fence to be.”

The park will be built just west of Red Lobster restaurant. It will feature separate areas for large and small dogs connected by gates as well as a rear gate that allows access to the water.